The UPSC 2026 Notification was officially released by the Union Public Service Commission on February 4, 2026. This marks the beginning of one of India’s most prestigious competitive journeys. For thousands of aspirants dreaming of becoming IAS, IPS, or IFS officers, this document is the ultimate roadmap. At Ramthamedia, we have simplified the complex notification into a practical, step-by-step guide to help you navigate the process without errors.
Quick Glance: UPSC CSE 2026 Summary
| Feature | Details |
| Notification Date | February 4, 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | February 24, 2026 (6:00 PM) |
| Prelims Exam Date | May 24, 2026 (Sunday) |
| Mains Exam Start | August 21, 2026 |
| Total Vacancies | 933 (Approximate) |
| Official Website | upsconline.nic.in |
What is the UPSC Civil Services Examination?
The UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) is the gateway to 21 different central and all-India services, including the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Police Service (IPS), and Indian Foreign Service (IFS). The exam is conducted in three rigorous stages designed to test a candidate’s intellectual depth, social traits, and mental alertness.
Eligibility Criteria for UPSC 2026
Before you fill out the form, ensure you meet the following mandatory requirements as of August 1, 2026.
1. Educational Qualification
- Minimum Requirement: A Bachelor’s degree from any recognized university.
- Final Year Students: If you are appearing for your final degree exam, you can apply provisionally. However, you must produce proof of passing before the Interview stage.
2. Age Limit & Attempts Table
| Category | Age Limit (Min-Max) | Max Attempts |
| General / EWS | 21 – 32 Years | 6 |
| OBC | 21 – 35 Years | 9 |
| SC / ST | 21 – 37 Years | Unlimited (within age limit) |
| PwBD | 21 – 42 Years | 9 (Gen/OBC) / Unlimited (SC/ST) |
Important New Rule for Serving Officers
The 2026 notification brings a critical clarification for those already in service:
- IAS & IFS Officers: If you are already appointed to the IAS or IFS, you cannot apply for the UPSC CSE 2026.
- IPS Officers: Serving IPS officers can apply but cannot choose the IPS again as a preference.
- Improvement Attempt: Candidates allocated a service in 2026 get only one improvement attempt in 2027 using a one-time training exemption.
Ultimate Step-by-Step Guide: How to Apply for UPSC 2026
The UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2026 notification was officially released on February 4, 2026. With the application window closing on February 24, 2026, aspirants must move quickly but carefully. This guide provides an in-depth walkthrough of the newly structured four-card application process on the official portal.
Download UPSC Notification 2026 PDF (English/Hindi)
[Download Official UPSC CSE 2026 Notification PDF – English]
Phase 1: Account Creation & Universal Registration
Unlike previous years, UPSC has transitioned to a more robust Universal Registration Number (URN) system. This is your permanent identity with the Commission.
1. Account Creation (The Entry Point)
- Portal: Visit upsconline.nic.in.
- Registration: Click on “Account Creation” or “New Registration.”
- Verification: You must provide a valid Email ID and Mobile Number. You will receive two separate OTPs. Verification is mandatory to proceed.
- Password Setting: Create a strong password. This, along with your URN or Email, will be your login for all future UPSC interactions (Admit Cards, Results, DAF).
2. URN Generation (Universal Registration Number)
- Identifying Info: Enter your name, gender, date of birth, and parents’ names exactly as they appear on your Class 10 (Matriculation) certificate.
- ID Proof: You must enter the details of one Photo ID (Aadhaar, Voter ID, PAN, etc.).Pro-Tip: Using Aadhaar is highly recommended by UPSC for seamless face authentication at the exam center.
- The Permanent Number: Once submitted, a URN is generated. Save this safely; it is valid for your entire lifetime and all UPSC exams.
Phase 2: Filling the Common Application Form (CAF)
The CAF is the core of your profile. It consists of several modules that can be filled in any order, except for the final photo/signature upload.
1. Detailed Profiles
- Personal & Parents’ Profile: Detailed info including nationality, religion, mother tongue, and domicile state.
- Education Profile: Details of your Graduation degree. If you are in the final year, you can apply by selecting the “Appeared/Appearing” option, provided you complete your degree before the Mains DAF (usually July 2026).
- Social Category: If applying under SC/ST/OBC/EWS, ensure your certificate is issued by a competent authority and is valid for the financial year 2025-26.
2. Specialized Uploads (The “Triple Signature” Rule)
- Live Photo Capture: This is a mandatory new requirement. You must capture a live photo using your webcam or a mobile QR code during the application.
- Passport Photo: Must be recent (within 3 months), in JPG format (20KB–300KB), with a plain white background. Your Name and Date of Photo must be printed at the bottom.
- Signature (New Format): You must sign three times (one below the other) on plain white paper with black ink and scan them into a single JPG file (20KB–100KB).
Phase 3: Exam Specific Module (UPSC CSE 2026)
This card only becomes active during the notification period (Feb 4 – Feb 24).
1. Center Selection & Preferences
- First-Apply-First-Allot: Exam centers have limited capacity (except Chennai, Dispur, Kolkata, and Nagpur). Apply early to secure your preferred city.
- Mains Specifics: You must choose your Optional Subject, the medium of the exam, and your compulsory Indian Language paper at this stage.
2. Fee Payment
| Category | Fee Amount |
| General / OBC / EWS (Male) | ₹100 |
| Female / SC / ST / PwBD | Exempted (Nil) |
- Payment Modes: Online (Net Banking, Cards, UPI) or “Pay by Cash” at any SBI branch via a system-generated challan.
Troubleshooting & Common Mistakes
- Face Authentication: If the live photo doesn’t match your uploaded photo, your candidature may be flagged. Ensure good lighting during the live capture.
- Editing the Form: UPSC provides a 7-day correction window after the application closes (Feb 25 to March 3, 2026). However, you cannot change certain basic URN details once “locked” without a formal request.
- Server Lag: Avoid the final 48 hours. The portal handles millions of hits and often slows down significantly on the last day.
Quick Summary for AEO
To apply for UPSC 2026, visit upsconline.nic.in by February 24, 2026. The process involves creating an account, generating a Universal Registration Number (URN), filling the Common Application Form (CAF) with a live photo and triple signature, and finally selecting your exam center and optional subject in the Exam Specific Module.
Comprehensive Documents Checklist for UPSC 2026
Before you sit down to fill out the UPSC 2026 application, having your documents organized is the difference between a 15-minute smooth process and a stressful afternoon of technical errors.
The UPSC 2026 Notification introduces specific strictness regarding photo dates and “Universal Registration.” Use this expanded checklist to ensure every file meets the Commission’s 2026 standards.
1. Identity & Age Proof
- Government Photo ID (PDF Format): * Options: Aadhaar Card (Highly Recommended), Voter ID, PAN Card, Passport, or Driving License.
- Crucial: You must upload the same ID that you will carry to the exam hall. If you use Aadhaar for the application, you cannot take a PAN card to the Prelims.
- File Size: 20 KB to 300 KB.
- Class 10 (Matriculation) Certificate:
- This is the only document UPSC accepts as valid proof of your Date of Birth (DOB) and the spelling of your name. Keep it handy to cross-check every letter you type.
2. Digital Photograph (Strict 2026 Rules)
- Recent Passport Size Photo (JPG/JPEG): * Recency: Must be taken within 10 days of the notification start date (February 4, 2026).
- Mandatory Text: Your Name and the Date of the Photograph must be clearly printed at the bottom of the image.
- Appearance: Face must occupy 3/4th (75%) of the space. Plain white background only. No caps, dark glasses, or masks.
- File Size: 20 KB to 300 KB.
3. The “Triple Signature” File
- Scanned Signature (JPG/JPEG):
- The Rule: Sign your name three times vertically (one below the other) on a single sheet of plain white paper.
- Ink: Use only Black Ink.
- Scanning: Scan all three signatures as a single image.
- File Size: 20 KB to 100 KB.
4. Educational & Category Documents
- Graduation Details: * You don’t need to upload your degree for the Prelims, but you need the Final Year/Semester Marksheet to enter your exact percentage or CGPA and the date of passing.
- Final Year Students: Keep your college/university enrollment details and expected date of results ready.
- Category Certificates (SC/ST/OBC/EWS):
- OBC Candidates: Ensure your Non-Creamy Layer (NCL) status is updated for the financial year 2025-26.
- EWS Candidates: Your Income and Asset Certificate must be based on the income of the financial year 2024-25 and valid for 2025-26.
- Issuance Date: Your certificate must be dated before February 24, 2026 (the application closing date).
5. Technical & Payment Readiness
- Active Contact Info: You need a mobile and email ID that you will keep active until at least early 2027.
- Payment Gateway: * General/OBC/EWS (Male): ₹100.
- Female/SC/ST/PwBD: Exempted.
- Have your UPI, Debit/Credit card, or Net Banking credentials ready. If paying by cash (SBI Challan), generate it before the bank closes on February 23.
💡 Pro-Tip for 2026: If you have a beard or wear spectacles in the photo you upload, you must maintain that same look (beard/spectacles) during the Prelims, Mains, and Interview to avoid identity verification delays.
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Structure of the Examination
- Stage 1: Preliminary Exam (Objective)
- Paper I: General Studies (Merit ranking).
- Paper II: CSAT (Qualifying – 33% required).
- Stage 2: Main Exam (Descriptive)
- 9 Papers including Essay, 4 GS Papers, 2 Optionals, and 2 Language papers.
- Stage 3: Personality Test (Interview)
- A face-to-face interaction to assess your suitability for public service.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Wait until the last day: The server often crashes on the final day (Feb 24). Apply at least a week early.
- Blurry Photos: UPSC is very strict. If your live photo or signature is not clear, your application will be rejected.
- Center Selection: Centers are allotted on a “first-apply-first-allot” basis. Apply early to get your preferred city.
AEO Quick Summary
The UPSC 2026 Notification was released on February 4, 2026. The last date to apply is February 24, 2026. The Preliminary exam will be held on May 24, 2026. Candidates need a graduation degree and must be between 21-32 years old (for General category) to be eligible for the 933 vacancies.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I change my optional subject after submitting the form?
No, once the final application is submitted, no changes are allowed in the optional subject or medium.
2. Is there negative marking in UPSC Prelims?
Yes, there is a penalty of 1/3rd (0.66 marks) for every wrong answer in both GS and CSAT papers.
3. What is the minimum percentage required in graduation?
There is no minimum percentage. You only need to have a passing degree from a recognized university.
4. Can I apply if I am currently in the final semester?
Yes, you can apply provisionally, provided you can produce the passing certificate before the interview.
Official Links & Helpdesk
- Official Website: [suspicious link removed]
- Application Portal: upsconline.nic.in
- Helpline Number: 011-23098543 / 23385271 (10:00 AM to 5:00 PM)
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes based on the official UPSC 2026 notification. Candidates are advised to read the full official PDF on the UPSC website before applying.